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nurse shark
noun
: any of various usually bottom-dwelling sharks (family Ginglymostomatidae) with barbels near the nostrils
especially
: a large yellowish to grayish brown shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) of warm usually shallow coastal waters that is typically nonaggressive and rests often in groups on the sea floor during the day
Examples of nurse shark in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But there’s plenty more for wildlife enthusiasts to watch for, from brahminy kites to nurse sharks.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, find sharks at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa and one nurse shark at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024
Theater of the Sea in Islamorada offers a unique encounter with nurse sharks, offering guests the chance to feed, pet and hold the sea creatures in a saltwater lagoon for $125 per person.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024
Both casual and seasoned snorkelers can observe snook, snapper, sheepshead, nurse sharks, red sponges, and more marine life.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for nurse shark
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nurse shark.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
alteration of nusse
First Known Use
1851, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near nurse shark
Cite this Entry
“Nurse shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nurse%20shark. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
nurse shark
noun
: a shark of warm waters that is active at night
More from Merriam-Webster on nurse shark
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nurse shark
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